Central Washington University vs. Purdue Northwest

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA with Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Washington University is larger than Purdue Northwest based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 9,051 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting); Purdue University Northwest is in Hammond, Indiana (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Purdue University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Washington University 15:1; Purdue University Northwest 17:1.

Central Washington University vs. Purdue Northwest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington University or Purdue Northwest? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Purdue University Northwest than Central Washington University ($7,916 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Purdue University Northwest are 46% lower than at Central Washington University ($8,907 vs. $16,480).
• Central Washington University is 8.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purdue Northwest (about $742 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $8,675.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71% higher at Central Washington University than at Purdue University Northwest (about $11,432 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $16,094.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Purdue University Northwest than at Central Washington University (89% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Washington University students is 26.1% larger than aid received by Purdue University Northwest students ($8,816 vs. $6,992).

Central Washington University vs. Purdue Northwest Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central Washington University or Purdue Northwest? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Purdue Northwest and Central Washington University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Washington University (1040) is 20 points higher than at Purdue Northwest (1020).
• Incoming Central Washington University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Purdue Northwest (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150; Purdue University Northwest 890/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24; Purdue University Northwest 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; Purdue Northwest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027; Purdue Northwest Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Purdue Northwest students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Purdue Northwest (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Central Washington University vs. 18.3% at Purdue Northwest.

Central Washington University vs. Purdue Northwest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central Washington University and Purdue Northwest? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.